Applications of CRISPR/Cas System in Food Industry

CRISPR/CAS system is a new groundbreaking technology for gene editing, which blurs the boundary between GMO and natural products. Compared to conventional genetic engineering, CRISPR/CAS system is a lot faster, cheaper, more precise, and doesn t require expert personnel. The mechanism is cutting genes at very specific spots which will result in the genes being turned off, and if needed, adding a new gene at the cut area. What makes CRISPR/CAS system a powerful gene editing tool is its capability to be programmed by scientists who will design a guide RNA to tell the system where exactly to cut. Researchers have been exploiting the CRISPR/CAS system to improve sustainability of various organisms in many different aspects, such as virus resistance, disease resistance, Physical and chemical resistance, yield enhancement, etc. In this review, the most important applications of the CRISPR/CAS system in food industry will be discussed.

Keywords:

CRISPR/CAS system , CRISPR , GMO , gene editing , food industry , sustainable crop production , genetic engineering , biotechnology